Police Credentials
Albany State University Police Department supports the mission and guiding principles of Albany State University by actively fostering a safe and secure higher education environment. We are devoted to serving you with professionalism, integrity, and utmost transparency. We recognize the significant responsibility of safeguarding the future’s most valuable asset: our students.
Campus Police Authority and Jurisdiction
According to Georgia state law, O.C.G.A.§20-8-2, on the campus of an educational facility, a campus policeman employed by such educational facility who is certified in accordance with O.C.G.A. §20-8-3 and when authorized by the governing body or authority of such educational facility shall have the same law enforcement powers, including the power of arrest, as a law enforcement officer of the local government with police jurisdiction over such campus.
According to Georgia state law, O.C.G.A.§ 20-3-72, Albany State University Police officers have the authority to make arrests for crimes committed upon any property under the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and for offenses committed upon any public or private property within 500 yards of any property under the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents. If an offense occurs within the officers’ jurisdiction, they can leave this area to pursue the offender.
Vision Statement
Albany State University Police Department will become a premier campus police agency
by deploying innovative industry standards, security and police strategies. The Albany State University Police Department will equip students, faculty, staff, and campus community members with the best systems,
practices, and networks to achieve the highest quality of safety standards. Our committed
efforts will result in an improved awareness and preparedness to campus safety through
implementing safe campus initiatives, developing strategic partnerships, and increasing
professional development opportunities.
Mission Statement
Albany State University Police Department will support the mission and guiding principles
of Albany State University by promoting a safe and secure higher education environment. Albany State University Police Department will build partnerships to identify and implement solutions for improving the quality
of life based on the best practices of campus law enforcement.
Specialized Training
Albany State University Police Officers are the first responders to all campus emergencies and are supported by a team of investigators, administrative personnel, and a collaborative partnership with local police agencies, as well as state and federal agencies, to ensure the safety and security of our campus community. Albany State University Police work diligently to prevent crime, respond swiftly to emergencies, and address concerns in a timely and effective manner.
As mandated by Georgia state law, O.C.G.A. §20-8-3, all police officers in Georgia must successfully complete the 408-hour basic police academy training in order to earn certification through the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.
As mandated by Georgia state law, O.C.G.A. §38-8-23, all 9-1-1 Communications Officers must successfully complete a 40-hour training to obtain certification as a Communications Officer through the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST).
These mandates provide an important foundation for the department to build upon. All members of the Albany State University Police Department receive specialized training beyond the state-mandated requirements. Officer training remains relevant to the dynamics of our changing world, ensuring officers have the knowledge and skills to resolve situations they encounter while on duty. Examples include an ongoing emphasis on community policing, crime prevention, cultural diversity, de-escalation techniques, training in firearms qualifications, use of force, first-aid, CPR, Stop-the-Bleed, emergency administration of Naloxone/Narcan, Active Shooter Training, FEMA, GEMA, NIMS, and Crisis Intervention Training. Albany State University Police Officers and 9-1-1 Communications Officers are educated using the nationally recognized 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training curriculum, which has long been the foundation of our behavioral health crisis response efforts. The goal of the CIT program is to reduce the stigma associated with behavioral health conditions, improve public and officer safety, and help those living with behavioral health conditions obtain treatment. The course strongly emphasizes de-escalation strategies and the development of partnerships with on campus and local support resources. Albany State University Police Department recognizes proficiency in these areas is crucial and facilitates our ability to meet the needs of our community.